I recently watched a YouTube video by Dr. Tannetje Crocker demonstrating what it’s like to be working in veterinary medicine today. In the video, she used the simple child’s toy Connect 4 — in which each piece fits into its designated open slot — to show how vet clinics schedule appointments, whether it be a wellness visit, surgery or urgent appointment.

In the end, when explaining the current circumstance — of curbside care, decreased staff and increased demand — Dr. Crocker was showering pieces over an overflowing board.

I have to say, that living “in the trenches” of general practice during the pandemic, this is one of the best demonstrations of our current situation I have seen yet.

But why is this happening?

There are many speculations. Probably the most plausible include the fact that the onset of COVID coincided with the typical veterinary busy season (yes we are a seasonal industry). The backlog of wellness visits and routine procedures that we were unable to perform for months has increased workload at a difficult time.

In addition, many new pets (see the COVID-puppy discussion from a few weeks ago), a staff shortage due to illness or childcare responsibilities, and overflowing emergency and referral hospitals, means that we are all worn thin.

To be clear — this is not a Kingsville problem, this is a North American problem.

Dr. Andy Roark recently posted an emotional video about this issue — a nationwide crisis in our profession — that really hit home. He said while discussing burnout, almost giving us permission, that “you can’t see all the pets.”

Everything, I believe, is about perspective though.

As Michele Norris NPR journalist on Michele Obama’s podcast said, “Don’t reach for normal, reach for better.” For me, that means improving my client and patient experience to the best of my ability.

The way we are practicing is changing — and changing forever — for the better. We are working through so many new ways to incorporate technology in our interactions and improve the efficiency of the service we provide.

But, reaching for better also means balance and boundaries so that we can continue to provide the best care. Better means protecting the health and well-being of our receptionists and technicians. Better means knowing when the overflow will compromise patient care. Better means appropriate triaging, and sometimes having to refer patients elsewhere so they can receive the best care possible.

If you are speaking with your veterinarian and are not able to get an appointment right away, please understand why.  Be kind. We are all in this together.